Media Magick

A Vocational Singer Turned Actor Destined To Become A Legend  – Nadeem Baig

Every film industry has a superstar, in fact, many super-stars over decades but there are very few legendary actors who fall under the category of superstars, most loved and respected actors, in Pakistan one such legendary actor is Nadeem Baig Sahab. Nadeem Sahab is the face and dignity of Pakistani Cinema since the Pakistani Film Industry was chiefly known as Lollywood. Mirza Nazir Baig aka film star Nadeem Baig Sahab debuted in Chakori (1967) that was directed by his mentor Mr. Ehtesham. Initially, Nadeem Sahab was to sing a song in the film but later he got the role of the antagonist in the same film and before a few days of the shooting, he was informed that he has to play the main lead in the film. That’s how, accidentally, Nadeem Sahab’s filmy journey started. Chakori was a super hit and Nadeem Baig Sahab became a star overnight.

Kabhi Toh Tum Ko (Chakori)

After Chakori, Nadeem Sahab did many films and they were mostly hits and super hits. Nadeem Sahab was amongst the younger competitors to superstars of that era like Mohammad Ali, Santosh Kumar, and Waheed Murad (who’s Arman, released in 1966, became a gigantic blockbuster). Films like Diya aur Toofan, Aina, Bandish and Dillagi gave Nadeem Baig Sahab stronger grounds to stand tall on the zenith of stardom. Nadeem Sahab did multi-hero films with Waheed Muad, Mohammad Ali, Shahid, Javed Sheikh and Ghulam Mohiuddin and always played his character so well that audiences couldn’t stop but applaud for him.

Sona Na Chandi (Bandish)

Kabhie Main Sochta Hoon (Aaina)

Aap Apni Misaal (Lazawaal)

In 1983, Nadeem Baig Sahab played the part of an antagonist in the movie Dur Desh aka Gehri Chot (a joint venture of Canada, Bangladesh and India). The film also starred Shashi Kapoor, Sharmila Tagore, Raj Babbar, Parveen Babi and Babita. Nadeem Sahab played a comparatively small role but a significant one. He was appreciated in the role of Tony.

Tere Bhige Badan (Sharafat)

Nadeem Baig Sahab is known for his brilliant comic timings and his comedy films are few but widely admired. He did more romantic and emotional films where he was always loved by his viewers. His craze back in 60s to 80’s was exceptional. Songs picturized on him became popular. Versatile singers like Mehdi Hassan, Akhlaq Ahmed, Ahmed Rushdie, A. Nayyar and Alamgir play-backed for him and the songs were mega hits of the time.

Jungle Mein Mangal (Zindagi)

In 1988, Nadeem Sahab produced his first film Mukhda. In the film, he also sang songs alongside Madam Noor Jehan i.e. Mundeya Dupatta Chhadh Mera and Dhak Dhina Dhin. Nadeem Sahab did numerous movies with Shabnam and Babra Sharif. There are so many Nadeem Sahab’sfilms that were inspired and also copied by Bollywood filmmakers.

Mundeya Dupatta Chad (Mukhda)

Nadeem Baig Sahab has worked with almost every actor since 1967 and even today his dedication and professionalism is appreciated and looked upon by youngsters and his contemporaries alike. I had the honor to meet the legend and he is the most humble, down to earth and humane person in real life. The meeting I will never forget – both as a fan and as a person.

Nadeem Sahab has won more than 16 Nigar Awards in his filmy career (from 1967 – 2002), Nigar Awards were/are considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in Pakistan. Nadeem Sahab was also awarded the Pride of Performance Award (1997) by the President of Pakistan. It has been 54 years and Nadeem Sahab is still an integral and most reputed part of the Pakistani Film Industry. Last year his two films released, Superstar and Parey Hut Love and he was amazing in both the films. Either this year-end or coming year he will be seen in a pivotal role in Shaan Shahid starrer Zarrar. We wish the legendary actor, the face and pride of Pakistani Entertainment Industry and the asset of Pakistani Cinema, Nadeem Sahab a healthy life and lots of happiness. His fans will love to see him in more films.